STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Eugene Contrubis, 62, of Midland Beach, who worked as a Correction officer at the former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, died Monday after becoming trapped in his home during the storm surge of Hurricane Sandy.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he moved to Manhattan as a teenager. He attended Charles Evans Hughes High School in Manhattan, and enlisted in the U.S. Army following his graduation.

After his service, Mr. Contrubis worked as a corrections officer with the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility for five years.

He later worked in Manhattan's 7th Precinct on the Lower East Side for about 25 years before he retired.

Although he never married or had any children, his nieces and nephews said their uncle had a loving disposition and was well-liked by everyone he met.

"He was a kind and gentle soul," said his niece, Kelly Ana. "Everyone in the neighborhood liked him."